U.S. patent number 6,157,766 [Application Number 09/094,632] was granted by the patent office on 2000-12-05 for high-density and high-capacity distribution frame for optical fibers.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Frances Telecom. Invention is credited to Anne-Marie Blanchard, Jean-Jacques Gueguen, Sylvie Laniepce.
United States Patent |
6,157,766 |
Laniepce , et al. |
December 5, 2000 |
High-density and high-capacity distribution frame for optical
fibers
Abstract
A distribution frame for optical fibers comprises, for example,
two elementary distribution frames in each of which supports are
provided to support rows of optical fiber connection modules which,
in an inclined rest position, are distributed in a matrix
arrangement to connect ends of first optical fibers to ends of
connecting optical fibers. To make a connection relating to a
module supported by the support, the support rotates about a
rotation shaft parallel to two sides of the matrix in a vertical
plane, out of the mass of connecting optical fiber ends.
Inventors: |
Laniepce; Sylvie (La Graverie,
FR), Blanchard; Anne-Marie (Pleumeur Bodou,
FR), Gueguen; Jean-Jacques (St Quay-Perros,
FR) |
Assignee: |
Frances Telecom (Paris,
FR)
|
Family
ID: |
9508377 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/094,632 |
Filed: |
June 15, 1998 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Jun 20, 1997 [FR] |
|
|
97 07892 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
385/134;
385/135 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B
6/4452 (20130101); G02B 6/4455 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G02B
6/44 (20060101); G02B 006/36 () |
Field of
Search: |
;385/134-137 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7-318820 |
|
Aug 1995 |
|
JP |
|
7-244225 |
|
Sep 1995 |
|
JP |
|
7-333530 |
|
Dec 1995 |
|
JP |
|
7-333531 |
|
Dec 1995 |
|
JP |
|
Primary Examiner: Sanghavi; Hemang
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Laubscher & Laubscher
Claims
What we claim is:
1. A distribution frame for optical fibers, comprising:
(a) a plurality of connection modules distributed in a matrix
arrangement to connect ends of first optical fibers to ends of
second optical fibers;
(b) a plurality of supports for supporting respective rows of
connection modules extending parallel to two sides of the matrix,
said supports having first ends rotatably mounted about a rotation
shaft parallel to other two sides of the matrix; and
(c) a plurality of circular arcuate guides centered on said
rotation shaft for guiding second ends of said supports between a
pair of abutments.
2. The distribution frame claimed in claim 1, wherein one of said
abutments and said rotation shaft are substantially located in one
side of said distribution frame.
3. A distribution frame as claimed in claim 1 comprising partitions
between circular sectors swept by said supports when they turn
about said rotation shaft.
4. A distribution frame as claimed in claim 1 comprising a roller
parallel to and near said rotation shaft.
5. The distribution frame claimed in claim 1 wherein each support
includes housings aligned perpendicularly to said rotation shaft
and shaped for removably fixing respective connection modules
therein.
6. A distribution frame for optical fibers, comprising:
(a) a first distribution frame including connection modules
distributed in a matrix arrangement to connect ends of first
optical fibers to first ends of connecting optical fibers;
(b) a second distribution frame including connection modules
distributed in a matrix arrangement to connect ends of second
optical fibers to second ends of the connecting optical fibers,
wherein each of said first and second distribution frames comprises
a plurality of connection module supports for supporting respective
rows of connection modules parallel to two sides of the respective
matrix and having first ends rotatably mounted about a rotation
shaft parallel to other two sides of said respective matrix;
and
(c) a strip suspended between said first and second distribution
frames, said strip being disposed substantially below said rotation
shafts to support the connecting optical fibers.
7. A distribution frame as claimed in claim 6, comprising a working
plate removable along one side and extending over said strip
carrying said connecting fibers.
8. A distribution frame as claimed in claim 6 including a structure
made up of beams, uprights and crossbeams substantially delimiting
two parallelepiped-shape blocks containing said first distribution
frame and second distribution frame, respectively, and a central
third parallelepiped-shape block resting on the floor, in which
said connecting optical fibers extend and which is located between
said two parallelepiped-shaped blocks.
9. A distribution frame as claimed in claim 6 enclosed in a casing
having at least one door providing direct access to an intermediate
space located between said first distribution frame and second
distribution frame and containing said connecting optical
fibers.
10. The distribution frame claimed in claim 6 wherein each of the
first distribution frame and second distribution frame comprises an
abutment which delimits an end of travel of the supports and which
is substantially coplanar with the rotation shaft in one side of
the distribution frame.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention concerns a high-density and high-capacity
distribution frame, in particular for optical fibers, used as an
optical distribution frame for user optical fibers, or as a
sub-distribution frame.
2. Description of the Prior Art
An optical distribution frame is a device essentially assuring
optical continuity in a way that is totally flexible and can be
modified between ends of first optical fibers, for example optical
fibers of underground network cables, and ends of second optical
fibers, for example fibers coming from user equipments of a
telephone central office. The distribution frame therefore enables
unlimited fiber-to-fiber modification of the assignments between
first fibers and second fibers defined at the time of initial
wiring (cross-connect function) and cancelling such assignments
temporarily or permanently (delay function), on a fiber by fiber
basis. In the context of expanding use of fiber optics in
distribution networks, it has become necessary to design
high-capacity optical distribution frames and to achieve densities
in optical technology comparable with those already achieved in
traditional distribution frames for copper telephone lines.
In a matrix architecture optical distribution frame connection
modules, also known as connectors, are arranged in a plane matrix.
The ends of the first optical fibers are fed in through one of
faces of the distribution frame in a fixed manner. The ends of the
second optical fibers can be moved over the other face of the
matrix distribution frame during cross-connection operations (NTT
Japanese patent applications Nos. 07-318,820, 07-244,225,
07-333,530 and 07-333,531).
There are two variants of matrix distribution frames, a
single-stage variant and a two-stage variant.
In the single-stage variant the first fibers, which are network
fibers, for example, are fed to one face of the matrix and the
second fibers, which are fibers from user equipments, for example,
are fed to the other face of the matrix. During cross-connection
operations the ends of either the network fibers or the equipment
fibers are mobile; in other words they can be withdrawn from the
connection modules and inserted into them.
In the two-stage variant the stages are two matrices. One face of
each matrix receives the network fibers or the user equipment
fibers. Optical continuity between the network fibers and the
equipment fibers is assured by separate fibers, known as connecting
fibers, disposed between the two matrices. The connecting fibers
are moved during cross-connection operations.
The connection matrix can be associated with an organization panel
or an alignment strip which organizes the optical fibers reaching
the face of the matrix in a spatial manner that cannot be changed,
regardless of subsequent cross-connection operations. The panel
includes a matrix of holes through which respective optical fibers
pass. The movements of optical fibers associated with
cross-connection operations and the associated crossovers of the
fibers take place between the organization panel and the connection
module matrix.
A cross-connection operation is essentially effected by carrying
out three basic operations in succession:
disconnecting one optical fiber end in a connection module at the
face of the matrix;
extracting the optical fiber from the organization panel by pulling
it through the mass of crossing fibers between the connection
module matrix and the organization panel, the function of the
latter being to enable identification of the optical fibers to be
extracted; and
pulling the optical fiber extracted from the organization panel
towards the connection module to be connected, passing it over the
existing mass of crossing optical fibers.
In these prior art distribution frames the matrix organization of
the connection modules makes access to them difficult, since to
reach a connection module it is necessary to thread the hand or a
tool through the curtain formed by the fiber ends terminating at
the matrix. This operation is even more difficult if the density of
connection modules is high. This "infiltration" through the curtain
of fiber ends is also necessary for carrying out maintenance on the
connection modules.
Furthermore, the presence of the organization panel makes it
necessary to pull an optical fiber to be disconnected or
disconnected/connected through all of the mass of optical fibers
between the matrix and the organization panel, and then to pull
another optical fiber from and through the organization panel, if
necessary, and then across all the other surrounding optical fibers
between the panel and the matrix. As the fibers are neither changed
nor trimmed in length during cross-connection, they must be
sufficiently long to enable the fiber ends to be connected to near
and far away connection modules in the matrix.
In the case of a low-density distribution frame the connecting
optical fibers often have highly disparate and excessive lengths,
which rules out interchanging connection optical fibers during
cross-connection operations. This disparity is more serious if the
connection modules are relatively widely spaced from each other,
i.e. if their density is relatively low, and if the matrices have
increasingly large dimensions in order to increase their
capacity.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The main object of this invention is to provide an optical fiber
distribution frame in which the ends of the optical fibers to be
cross-connected are more easily accessible than in prior art matrix
distribution frames.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, a distribution frame for optical fibers comprising
connection modules distributed in a matrix arrangement to connect
ends of first optical fibers to ends of second optical fibers and
supports for supporting respective rows of connection modules
extending parallel to two sides of the matrix, is characterized in
that the supports have first ends rotatably mounted about a
rotation shaft parallel to the other two sides of the matrix.
Thus the distribution frame of the invention is in the form of a
matrix formed by the rows of connection modules, in practise
constituting columns of the matrix, which are independent of each
other, above the rotation shaft. A connection module support
containing a connection module for optical fiber ends to be
cross-connected can be removed from the plane of the matrix simply
by rotating it about the rotation shaft from a rest position to a
working position without disturbing the optical fibers which are
connected to the connection module supported by the support and
without being impeded by the other optical fibers terminating at
the matrix.
Each support comprises at least one row or even two rows of
connection modules, allowing easy lateral access to the connection
points at which the optical fibers are connected two by two. This
ease of access is related to the rotational mounting of the
connection module supports, compatible with a high-density
organization of miniaturized connectors, allowing pitches of a few
millimeters between connection points to be achieved.
To preserve the stiffness of the connection module supports, there
are provided parallel circular arc shape guides centered on the
rotation shaft or parallel rectilinear guides for guiding second
ends of the connection module supports sliding between two
abutments, preferably crossbeams perpendicular to the guides.
Alternatively, the guides can be parallel rectilinear. Preferably,
one of the abutments and the rotation shaft are substantially
located in one side of the distribution frame corresponding to the
working position, which is vertical, for example. Thus all the
supports are set back from the vertical plane except for the
support which has been withdrawn from the matrix by rotating it
about the rotation shaft and which is in the vertical plane for
connecting/disconnecting optical fiber ends or carrying out
maintenance on a connection module of the support without
disturbing other neighboring optical fibers.
To prevent tangling of optical fibers associated with neighboring
supports and also tangling of optical fibers in front of the
connection module matrix, partitions are fixed to the distribution
frame structure or, in a different embodiment, are attached to
respective connection module supports. The partitions are provided
between circular sectors swept by the supports of connection
modules when they turn about the rotation shaft.
The distribution frame comprises a roller parallel to the rotation
shaft and near the latter. This roller is mainly useful when the
optical fibers to be cross-connected drop below the distribution
frame, particularly if these optical fibers are connecting fibers
in a two-stage distribution frame. The roller avoids excessive
flexing of the optical fibers due to the weight of optical fibers
above them so that they retain a radius of curvature greater than
the minimum permissible radius of curvature.
Each connection module is preferably mounted so as to be removable.
In this case, each connection module support includes housings
aligned perpendicularly to the rotation shaft and shaped for
removably fixing respective connection modules therein. The
connection modules can be small individual connection modules for
connecting two optical fibers ends. In another variant, each
connection module is a collective connection module for connecting
first optical fiber ends to second optical fiber ends two by two,
for example four, eight or twelve optical fiber pairs. A connection
module support of the above kind is compatible with any type
individual connector, i.e. fiber by fiber, or collective connector,
i.e. for groups of fibers such as cables, or semi-collective
connector, by which is meant a connector which is collective on one
face of the matrix and individual on the other face of the
matrix.
The invention also concerns a high-capacity two-stage distribution
frame. Such a distribution frame for optical fibers comprises a
first distribution frame including connection modules distributed
in a matrix arrangement to connect ends of first optical fibers to
first ends of connecting optical fibers, and a second distribution
frame including connection modules distributed in a matrix
arrangement to connect ends of second optical fibers to second ends
of the connecting optical fibers, and is characterized in that each
of the first and second distribution frame comprises connection
module supports for supporting respective rows of connection
modules parallel to two sides of the respective matrix and having
first ends rotatably mounted about a rotation shaft parallel to the
other two sides of the respective matrix.
If the first and second distribution frames are spaced apart
substantially in a horizontal plane, a strip is suspended between
the first and second distribution frames and disposed substantially
below the rotation shafts to support the connecting fibers.
Furthermore, the distribution frame can comprise a working plate,
preferably removable or hinged along one side, extending over the
strip carrying the connecting fibers.
The high-capacity distribution frame is made in a structure made up
of beams, uprights and crossbeams substantially delimiting two
parallelepiped-shape blocks containing the first and second
distribution frames, respectively, and a central third
parallelepiped-shape block resting on the floor, in which the
connecting optical fibers extend and which is located between the
two parallelepiped-shaped blocks.
The distribution frame is enclosed in a casing having at least one
door providing direct access to an intermediate space located
between the first and second distribution frame units and
containing the connecting optical fibers.
Each of the first and second distribution frames can comprise an
abutment which delimits an end of travel of the supports and which
is substantially coplanar with the rotation shaft in one side of
the distribution frame which can be vertical, inclined or
horizontal depending on the possibilities of access to the
distribution frame determined at the time of its installation. The
working planes corresponding to the working positions in the first
and second distribution frames are directly face-to-face, for
example.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other objectives, features and advantages of the
invention will be apparent from the following detailed description
of several embodiments of the invention with reference to the
corresponding accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a distribution frame
accordance with the invention, of the type with elementary first
and second distribution frame, as seen from the front;
FIG. 2 is perspective view of the front face of the first
elementary distribution frame for network optical fibers, as seen
from the front side, according to a first embodiment of the
invention;
FIG. 3 is perspective view of the rear face of the first
distribution frame, as seen from the rear;
FIG. 4 is a perspective detail view similar to FIG. 2 showing
module supports in a working position inside the first distribution
frame;
FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view showing a connection between a first
optical fiber cable, on the network side and a second optical fiber
cable, on the user equipment side, via respective connection
modules in the first and second elementary distribution frames and
the connecting optical fibers;
FIG. 6 shows a connecting fiber with clip-on connection plugs;
FIG. 7 is a view analogous to FIG. 2 of the first distribution
frame constituting a second embodiment of the invention provided
with partitions for guiding fibers between circular sectors in
which the connection module supports pivot;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view analogous to FIG. 3 of the first
distribution frame when provided with partitions as in the second
embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the casing of the distribution
frame as a whole with its access doors open; and
FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the rest and working
positions of the connection module supports in first and second
distribution frames according to another embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG. 1, a high-capacity distribution frame RGC is
constructed from metal structure of beams, uprights and crossbeams
which essentially delimit first, second and third
parallelepiped-shape blocks. The first and second
parallelepiped-shape blocks of the structure constitute elementary
matrix distribution frames R1 and R2 of the one-stage type in
accordance with the invention located to the left and to the right
of the structure and in the upper part thereof.
The third parallelepiped-shape block B3 of the structure is located
in the central part of the latter at a lower level than the first
and second distribution frames R1 and R2 and between them. It
provides a base on the floor for the high-capacity distribution
frame. Connecting optical fibers FL occupy the paralleepiped-shape
block B3. First ends FL1 of the connecting optical fibers are to be
connected via the first distribution frame R1 to ends of first
optical fibers of cables CF1, such as optical fibers included in
cables of an underground fiber optic network. Second ends FL2 of
the connecting optical fibers are to be connected via the second
distribution frame unit R2 to ends of second optical fibers of
cables CF2, such as optical fibers connecting individual user
equipments. The structure of the high-capacity distribution frame
RGC therefore has a plane of symmetry which, in the example
illustrated, is vertical and coincident with the transverse median
plane of the parallelepiped-shape block B3 of the
parallelepiped-shape space ES between the first and second
elementary distribution frame. Because of this symmetry, the first
elementary distribution frame R1 is identical to the second
elementary distribution frame R2 and is the only one described in
detail below.
Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the elementary matrix distribution
frame R1 has a parallelepiped-shape structure conventionally
comprising four beams 10, four uprights 11 and four crossbeams 12,
together with two support plates 13 disposed on faces which are
vertical in the illustrated embodiment example of the
structure.
Plural connection modules supports 2 in the form of parallel shaped
bars having a length substantially less than that of the uprights
11 of the distribution frame are disposed between the two support
plates 13. The bottom ends 21 of the supports 2 pivot about a fixed
rotation shaft 3 which is forcibly inserted transversely between
the support plates 13 at the lower level of the two uprights 11d on
the righthand side of the distribution frame and above the
righthand bottom crossbeam 12id of the distribution frame structure
bordering the central intermediate space ES. Parallel circular arc
rails 4 centered on the rotation shaft slide through second ends 22
of the supports 2. First ends 41 of the rails 4 are fixed to the
top crossbeam 12sd on the righthand side of the distribution frame.
Second ends 42 of the rails 4 are fixed to an intermediate
crossbeam 12I between the support plates, slightly below the
lefthand top crossbeam 12sg of the distribution frame.
In a different embodiment the parallel rails are rectilinear, and
the second end 22 of each support has a sufficiently long slot
through which the respective rail 4 passes for the support to be
able turn about the rotation shaft 3.
Accordingly, each support 2 sweeps a circular sector, typically
subtending an angle of about 45.degree., between a vertical working
position PT and an inclined rest position PR. In the working
position PT the second end 22 of the support abuts against the
righthand top crossbeam 12sd. In the rest position PR the second
end 22 of the support abuts against the intermediate crossbeam 12I.
In FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, for example, just four supports are in the
working position and therefore situated in the side of the
distribution frame R1 adjoining the space ES between the
distribution frames R1 and R2.
Each support 2 includes holes 23 aligned perpendicularly to the
rotation shaft 3 and equally spaced in the longitudinal direction
from the second end 22 of the support to a lower area with no holes
above the first end 21 of the support. Each hole 23 is a housing
with the same shape as a flat connection module 5 which can be
T-shape as in the embodiment illustrated, or rectangular.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 the leg 51 of the Tee of
the module 5 is in the form of a flat rectangular strip which
extends towards the left to receive one end of a cable of first
optical fibers CF1 of flexible microsheath type or, in a different
variant, a first optical fiber ribbon cable. For example, each
cable comprises 4, 8 or 12 optical fibers. The two branches 52 of
the T-shape profile of the connecting module 5 constitute a thin
parallelepiped which is nested in a socket of the leg 51. The
righthand side of the branches 52 comprises longitudinal holes 53
to which can be clipped connecting plugs FC1 at the first ends FL1
of the connecting optical fibers FL. The holes 53 are typically
spaced at a pitch of a few millimeters. As an alternative to this,
each connection module can connect a first optical fiber to a
connecting optical fiber. The number of connecting optical fibers
that can be connected in a connection module is always equal to the
number of first optical fibers contained in the cable CF1 entering
the connection module from the left. As explained below, connecting
plugs FC2 at the second ends FL2 of the connection fibers also clip
into other connection modules 5 that can be plugged into the second
distribution frame R2, in order to connect them to second optical
fiber cables CF2 connected to user equipments and thereby to
connect first optical fibers from the underground network to second
optical fibers connected to respective user equipments.
Reverting to the situation shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, which are given
by way of example, the lefthand parts of the branches 52 of the
connection modules 5 are inserted into rectangular holes 23 in the
support. When all the supports 2 are abutted against the righthand
top crossbeams 12sd and so form a straight side of the distribution
frame R1 or when both supports 2 are abutted against the
intermediate crossbeam 12I towards the left, all the connection
modules 5 in the supports form a matrix for connecting the ends of
the first fibers of network to first ends of the connecting fibers.
The matrix has horizontal rows of modules parallel to the rotation
shaft 3 and to the crossbeams 12sd, 12I and columns of modules
formed by the supports 2, some vertical, some oblique at
substantially 45.degree..
As can be seen in FIG. 2 there are no holes 23 in the lower part
each support 2. This avoids stressing a connecting optical fiber
whose connecting plug FC1 must be plugged into a hole 23 on a lower
matrix row in the distribution frame R1, to be curved towards the
intermediate space ES between the distribution frames R1 and R2
along an arc the radius of which is less than the minimum
acceptable radius of curvature for optical fibers.
The optical fibers leaving each cable CF1 follow a respective curve
with the minimum radius of curvature for the fibers from an
attachment point at the rear of the support nearest the rotation
shaft 3. The attachment point under the support constitutes a
substantially fixed point during rotation of the supports, avoiding
the need for fiber "slack" to allow the supports to move.
In practise the ends of the first optical fibers in the network
cables CF1 are plugged once and for all into the respective
connection modules 5, although it is always possible to extract a
first optical fiber end, for example to facilitate maintenance of
the corresponding connection module. only the connecting plugs FC1
at the ends of the connecting optical fibers FL can be withdrawn
and repositioned in the connection modules to modify the
connections between the first fibers and the second fibers
connected to the user equipments. If none of these operations is
required, all of the connection module supports 2 are placed in the
rest position PR with their upper ends 22 abutted against the
intermediate crossbeam 12I. After pulling it towards the right
about the rotation shaft 3, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a support 2
is positioned on the righthand side of the distribution frame R1,
in the working position PT, in order to disconnect and/or connect
at least one connecting fiber connection plug FC1. During rotation
of the support 2 from the rest position PR towards the working
position PT or from the working position towards the rest position
the support 2 is guided by the rail 4 the ends 41 and 42 of which
are fastened to the two abutment crossbeams 12sd and 12I. The rail
also prevents the support from buckling under the weight of the
connection modules.
In a second embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 the
elementary distribution frame R1 comprises partitions 6 for
separating the rotation sectors 61 to be swept by the connection
module supports 2. The partitions 6 form a comb whose teeth extend
from the rotation shaft 3 along a circular sector subtending an
angle of substantially 45.degree. between the two abutment
crossbeams 12sd and 12I. The rotation shaft 3 passes through the
lower end of each partition. The two top ends of each partition are
fixed perpendicularly to the abutment crossbeams 12sd and 12I in
the embodiment example shown. In another embodiment the lefthand
edges of the partitions are respectively fixed along predetermined
right or left edges of the supports 3, the partitions turning with
the supports around the rotation shaft 3. Two neighboring
partitions prevent tangling of the connecting fibers whose
connection plugs FC1 are plugged into modules 5 supported by the
associated support 2 that pivots between said partitions, with
connecting fibers terminating in the other supports 3, and tangling
of the corresponding first fiber ends CF1.
A fixed or freely rotatable transverse roller 7 is mounted on a
fixed shaft in the lower part of the two uprights lid on the
righthand side of the distribution frame between the rotation shaft
3 and the bottom righthand cross beam 12id of the distribution
frame R1. The surface of the roller 7 projects slightly from the
righthand side of the elementary distribution frame R1 to support
the connecting fibers FL and to take the load due to the weight of
the connecting fibers leaving connection modules 5 included in the
distribution frame R1. Additionally, the roller 7 guarantees the
minimum radius of curvature of the connecting fibers FL on leaving
the connection modules, especially those in the lower part of the
supports 2 subject to the weight of the other connecting fibers.
The roller also guides the connecting fibers.
Returning to FIG. 1, the third parallelepiped-shape block B3 in the
lower part of the high-capacity distribution frame RGC contains a
flexible strip BA the ends of which are fixed to the bottom
crossbeams 12id of the distribution frames R1 and R2 so that the
strip is suspended between the distribution frames R1 and R2 as far
as a point near the floor. The flexible strip BA, which can be a
rubber strip, a net or a strip of woven fabric, forms a "hammock"
to receive the connecting fibers FL, which follow its shape. The
suspended strip BA also supports the length of connecting fiber
needed for cross-connection operations and any connecting fibers
awaiting connection.
For example, an elementary distribution frame R1 (or R2) for
connecting 10,080 first optical fibers in network cables CF1 (or
second fibers in user equipment cables CF2) to connecting fibers FL
comprises approximately 84 supports 2 equipped with 15 connection
modules for connecting eight connecting fibers, i.e. at most 120
connection points per support. The elementary distribution frame
has a height of 90 cm, a face length of 65 cm and a side width of
1.25 m. The distribution frame RGC has a length of 2.5 meters and a
height of 1.90 meters. The intermediate space ES between the
distribution frames R1 and R2 above the strip BA carrying the
connecting fibers FL contained in the block B3 of height 1 m then
has a length of approximately 1.2 m.
As shown in FIG. 9, the distribution frame RGC is protected by a
removable sheet metal casing CT having a double door V1-V2 on each
of its front and rear faces, in front of the central part
consisting of the intermediate space ES and the block B3 occupied
by the connecting optical fibers FL. This casing renders the
distribution frame secure, protects the optical fibers and reduces
the risk of environmental pollution of the connections of the
optical fiber ends in the connection modules 5.
The top of the block B3 is covered with a removable plate PL the
ends of which form in conjunction with the bottom crossbeams 12id
of the distribution frames R1 and R2 rectangular holes TR for the
connecting fibers FL to pass through. The plate PL is used as a
table for carrying out various operations on the optical fiber ends
and also protects the connecting optical fibers FL. The plate PL is
hinged along the top of two top horizontal beams PO delimiting the
space ES relative to the block B3.
"Cross-connection" of optical fibers in the high-capacity
distribution frame RGC of the invention is effected in the
following manner.
Three numbers identify a point of connection between two optical
fibers in the connection module matrix of the first distribution
frame R1 or the second distribution frame R2: a number for the
connection module support 2, a number for the connection module 5
marked near the hole 23 receiving the latter in the support 2, and
a number for the first fiber in a cable CL1 or the second fiber in
a cable CL2 marked near the corresponding hole 53 in the connection
module 5 receiving the end of the first or second fiber.
For example, and with reference to FIG. 1, the "cross-connection"
corresponds to replacing the connection of a given first fiber of
cable CF1 to a user equipment A with a connection of the given
first fiber CF1 to a user equipment B, which amounts to
"cross-connecting" the connecting fiber FLA initially connected to
equipment A with equipment B, or with a connecting fiber connected
to equipment B.
In the second distribution frame R2 the end of the connecting fiber
FLA is marked with the three numbers referred to above. The support
2 containing the connection module 3 at which the fiber FLA
identified in this way terminates is pivoted from the inclined rest
position PR to the vertical working position PT, abutted against
the top crossbeam 12sd. The connection plug FC2 of the connecting
fiber FLA is removed from the identified connection module 3 and
let go of above the upper end of the strip BA supporting the
connecting fibers, onto which it drops. The support 2 containing
the identified connection module 3 from which the connecting fiber
connection plug FC2 has been withdrawn is pivoted from the working
position towards the rest position in the second distribution frame
R2.
Then the given first fiber is identified in the connection module
matrix in the first distribution frame R1. The support 2
corresponding to the given first fiber is pivoted towards the right
from the inclined rest position PR to the vertical working position
PT. The connecting fiber FLA connected to the given first network
fiber is withdrawn from the set of connecting fibers, substantially
from the corresponding connection module 5 identified in this way,
without removing the first connection plug FC1 of the connecting
fiber FLA from the aforementioned module, as far as the connection
plug FC2 of the connecting fiber FLA previously withdrawn from the
second distribution frame unit. Without letting go of the
connection plug FC2 of the connecting fiber FLA being
cross-connected, at the second distribution frame unit R2 end, the
support 2 in the first distribution frame unit R1 containing the
connection module relating to the given first fiber is pivoted from
the working position to the rest position.
In the connection module matrix of the second distribution frame
R2, after identifying the end of the second optical fiber of cable
CF2 connected to user equipment B, the support 2 containing the
connection module 5 at the end of this second fiber is pivoted from
the rest position towards the working position in the distribution
frame R2. The connection plug FC2 of the connecting fiber FLA being
cross-connected and which has not been let go of is fed over the
mass of other connecting fibers entering the second distribution
frame R2 to prevent tangling, toward the corresponding dripping
hole 53 in the connection module 5 of the support 2 in the working
position. After plugging the connecting plug FC2 of the connecting
fiber FLA into the connection module the support is returned to the
rest position.
In a similar way, the various operation steps described above can
be repeated on the network side, i.e. relative to a first end FL1
of a connecting fiber in the first distribution frame unit R1, in
order to disconnect it from a given first fiber of cable CF1 and
connect to another first fiber of cable CF1.
By a succession of a similar steps the cross-connection can equally
be effected by totally extracting the connecting fiber to be
cross-connected. The ends of the connecting fiber are then
disconnected in the first and second matrix distribution frames R1
and R2. The connecting fiber is entirely moved from the
distribution frame RGC by extracting it from the last disconnected
end. The ends of the connecting fiber are then reconnected, the
connecting fiber being positioned over the mass of connecting
fibers carried by the suspended strip BA to prevent any
tangling.
A connecting fiber can also be extracted totally to eliminate
optical continuity between a first network fiber and a second
fiber.
Maintenance is easy in the distribution frame RGC of the invention.
A connecting fiber FL giving problems can be totally removed and
replaced by another connecting fiber. An end FL1, FL2 of a
connecting fiber can be connected to the end of first network fiber
or a second equipment fiber, as already described, with easy access
to the working plate PL above the strip carrying the connecting
fibers and with lateral access underneath the plate to the
connecting fibers, after opening at least one of the doors V1-V2,
and also by virtue of the facility to pivot the supports 2 about
the shaft 3.
The capacity of the distribution frame RGC according to the
invention is easy to increase because of its two-level modularity,
i.e. by adding connection modules 5 to supports 2 already installed
and by adding further supports to the distribution frames R1 and
R2.
The skilled persons in the art can envisage further arrangements
relating to the first and second distribution frames within the
scope of the present invention, as a function of the space and
availability offered by the room accommodating the high-capacity
distribution frame. For example, the first and second distribution
frames can be disposed side by side, non-contiguously or
separately, or one on top of the other in positions symmetrical
about a horizontal plane, or perpendicularly to each other in a
horizontal plane.
In some of these arrangement the connecting fibers are not all the
same length. Cross-connection is then effected by totally
extracting the connecting fiber and fitting another connecting
fiber having a length chosen to suit the positions of the
connection modules into which the connecting plugs of the
connecting fiber must be plugged.
The working positions of the connection module supports 2 are not
necessarily in vertical planes or parallel planes.
In a third embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 10, the
inclined rest positions PRa of the supports 2 can be between the
planes which are vertical in the example shown and which are
defined by the working positions PTa and not outside the latter. In
this third embodiment the distribution frames R1a and R2a are above
the parallelepiped-shape block B3a containing the suspended strip
BA for the connecting fibers FL and so the high-capacity
distribution frame RGCa is more compact than the distribution frame
RGC.
As already stated, the invention also concerns a distribution frame
comprising only one matrix stage of connection modules consisting
of the distribution frame R1 or R2.
* * * * *